Delicious Asian-inspired salad to please the family

Crisp cabbage, crunchy noodles and a sweet and tangy dressing all combine in this delicious and simple dish that can be used as a salad or a meal.

As we age, our taste in food often changes. As children, many don't like spicy foods, but now will love a good five alarm chili. And while many children turn their noses up to salads, the older we get the more we appreciate and enjoy foods that are green.

Salads are one of my favorite things. They are fresh and full of healthy ingredients. They are a great way to start a meal, but what I really enjoy are salads that are the meal. One of my favorites is this Chinese Cabbage Salad. It is smothered in a sweet and tangy dressing and has wonderful flavors and textures. There are crunchy ramen noodles, almonds and sesame seeds.

This salad is simple to make and it can be used as a side dish or as a meal. I will often add chopped chicken (I use one of those roasted chickens from the store) and that makes for a one-dish meal that is sure to please.

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Belle’s Chinese Cabbage Salad

1 (12 ounce) bag shredded cabbage

1 (3 ounce) bag ramen noodles, crushed (save the spice packet)

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

¾ cup slivered almonds

½ cup green onions, chopped

Dressing

2 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons rice vinegar

½ cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 packet of seasoning (from the ramen noodle soup)

In a large bowl, mix together the cabbage, dried noodles, sesame seeds, almonds and green onions. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, vinegar, oil, pepper, salt and seasoning. Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. For a meal, add two cups cooked chicken chopped or shredded.

Brenda Stanley is the mother of five children, including two sets of twins, and a grandmother of three. She is a cookbook author and novelist. Her website is at talesofthedinnerbelle.com.